Mycobacterium nature of human monocytes in vitro

Protective immunity in tuberculosis is attributed to destruction and elimination of the pathogen M. tuberculosis by activated macrophages. Activation of macrophages is brought about by the lymphokines released by antigen sensitized T lymphocytes. In the past ten years several review articles and research papers have been published on the antimycobacterial activity of macrophages. However convincing evidence of intra-cellular killing of M. tuberculosis was lacking in most of these experiments. An in vitro experiment wherein we are able to demonstrate mycobactericidal activity by monocytes could yield valuable information in understanding of tuberculoimmunity and also to resolve immunomodulating agents as an adjunct to chemotherapy